APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RM2UNCUS Smart-UPS 3000VA 2U Rack Mount 120V with SmartConnect and Network Card

Overview

The APC by Schneider Electric SMT3000RM2UNCUS is a 3000VA/2.7kW true sine wave rack-mount UPS designed for IT closets, surveillance server rooms, and commercial AV/security infrastructure where clean, conditioned power is non-negotiable. At 2U, it fits most standard 19-inch racks without consuming significant vertical real estate, and the bundled network management card means you get remote monitoring and alerting out of the box — no add-on purchase required. TAA compliance makes this unit a straightforward path for federal, state, and local government procurement where Buy American requirements apply.

This unit is part of the broader APC by Schneider Electric UPS lineup — a well-established platform with a large installed base across data centers, enterprise IT, and physical security deployments. For integrators who need a proven, network-managed rack UPS at 120V with government-friendly sourcing, the SMT3000RM2UNCUS hits the key checkboxes without requiring custom configuration.

Key Features

• 2.7kW / 2.88kVA True Sine Wave Output: Unlike simulated or stepped-approximation sine wave UPS units, this delivers a clean waveform — critical for active PFC power supplies found in modern servers, NVRs, and IP phone systems. Servers with active PFC PSUs can malfunction or shut down on modified sine wave; this unit eliminates that risk entirely.
• 8 Protected Outlets (2x NEMA 5-20R + 6x NEMA 5-15R): All 8 outlets provide battery backup — there are no surge-only outlets on this unit. The two 5-20R receptacles handle higher-draw devices (up to 20A circuits), while the six 5-15R receptacles cover standard 15A loads. Plan your load distribution accordingly: the 5-20R slots are the right home for your NVR or server; the 5-15R slots for switches and smaller appliances.
• 4ms Typical / 8ms Maximum Transfer Time: The switchover from utility to battery happens in under 8ms worst-case — fast enough that sensitive electronics with minimal hold-up time (including most active PFC power supplies) remain stable through the transition without a reboot.
• Included Network Management Card (SmartConnect): Remote visibility into UPS status, load percentage, battery health, and runtime estimates — accessible without a separate network card purchase. This is a meaningful operational advantage in distributed deployments where physical access to every rack is impractical. Pair with UPS management software for fleet-level monitoring.
• Multi-Function LCD Control Console: The front-panel LCD displays load percentage, battery charge, input/output voltage, and runtime remaining. Combined with audible alarms (on-battery, low battery, overload) you get both local and remote situational awareness. No need to pull out a laptop to assess UPS health during a site visit.
• 459 Joule Surge Energy Rating: Provides a meaningful level of surge absorption for connected equipment. This is not a primary surge protection strategy for high-exposure environments — but it handles the transient spikes common in commercial facilities and protects downstream gear from utility noise.
• 3-Hour Typical Recharge Time: After a full discharge, the battery returns to full capacity in approximately 3 hours. In facilities with recurring short outages, this recharge window matters — a unit still recharging when the next outage hits delivers reduced runtime. Size your runtime expectations and recharge cycles accordingly.
• RBC43 Hot-Swap Battery: A single RBC43 battery cartridge supports the 3-5 year expected battery life. When replacement time comes, the cartridge swaps without tools and without shutting down connected equipment — relevant in 24/7 surveillance or always-on network environments where downtime is not acceptable for a battery swap.
• 2U Rack Form Factor — 26.89 inches deep, 97.6 lbs: This unit is 683mm deep and nearly 100 lbs. Verify your rack has sufficient depth (700mm+ recommended) and that your rack's weight capacity can handle it — especially in half-depth wall-mount enclosures where depth and weight limits are tighter. Rail kit is included.
• TAA Compliance: Manufactured to meet Trade Agreements Act requirements, making this model eligible for GSA Schedule procurement and federal/state/local government contracts without a waiver. If your project has TAA requirements, this is the correct variant — the non-TAA Smart-UPS models are not interchangeable for compliant procurement.

Integration and Compatibility

The SMT3000RM2UNCUS ships with a USB cable and RS-232 signaling cable for direct connection to a host server running APC PowerChute software (included on CD). The network card enables SNMP and web-based management, compatible with most enterprise monitoring platforms. The 120V/NEMA outlet configuration is specific to North American infrastructure — verify your facility's circuit amperage before connecting high-draw devices to the 5-20R outlets. This unit integrates well alongside rack-mount PoE switches and NVR appliances in security-focused server rooms where a single UPS needs to carry both network and recording infrastructure.

What's in the Box

• 1x APC Smart-UPS SMT3000RM2UNCUS UPS unit
• 1x CD with software and documentation
• 1x Installation guide
• 1x Rack mounting hardware
• 1x Rack mounting support rails
• 1x Smart UPS signaling RS-232 cable
• 1x USB cable

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the SMT3000RM2UNCUS TAA-compliant for government procurement?

A: Yes. The SMT3000RM2UNCUS is TAA-compliant, making it eligible for GSA Schedule and federal/state/local government contracts. The TAA suffix in the model number distinguishes this variant from non-TAA Smart-UPS models — they are not interchangeable for compliant procurement purposes.

Q: Does this UPS output a true sine wave?

A: Yes. The SMT3000RM2UNCUS produces a true sine wave output — not a simulated or stepped approximation. This matters for servers, NVRs, and any load with an active PFC power supply, which can behave erratically or shut down on modified sine wave UPS units.

Q: Is a network management card included, or do I need to purchase one separately?

A: The network management card is included with this model (SmartConnect). You get remote SNMP and web-based UPS monitoring without an additional purchase — one of the key distinctions between this model and base Smart-UPS configurations.

Q: How long does the battery take to recharge after a full discharge?

A: Typical recharge time is approximately 3 hours. The replacement battery cartridge is the RBC43, with an expected service life of 3 to 5 years. Battery swap is tool-free and hot-swap capable — connected equipment does not need to be shut down during replacement.

Q: What outlets does the SMT3000RM2UNCUS provide, and are all battery-backed?

A: All 8 outlets are battery-backed: 2x NEMA 5-20R (suitable for 20A-circuit devices) and 6x NEMA 5-15R (standard 15A loads). There are no surge-only outlets on this unit — every connected device receives full battery protection.

Q: What are the rack depth and weight requirements for this unit?

A: The SMT3000RM2UNCUS is 26.89 inches (683mm) deep and weighs 97.62 lbs (44.28 kg). Verify your rack has at least 700mm of usable depth and sufficient weight capacity before installation. Rack mounting rails are included in the box.

Eden Phillips

The SMT3000RM2UNCUS is the model I recommend when a project combines TAA procurement requirements with a genuine need for remote UPS management — the included SmartConnect network card removes what is usually a $150–$200 add-on cost and a separate line item on the BOM. At 2.7kW in 2U, the power density is solid for a single rack carrying a mid-size NVR stack, a PoE switch, and a management workstation.

Technical Highlights:

• True Sine Wave at 2.7kW: Every watt of the 2,700W capacity is delivered as clean sine wave — no derating required for active PFC loads. Modern surveillance servers and NVRs almost universally use active PFC PSUs; this unit handles them without caveat.
• 8ms Maximum Transfer Time: At worst-case 8ms switchover (4ms typical), this stays well inside the hold-up window of virtually all commercial ATX and server power supplies, which typically sustain 20ms or more. You will not see reboot events from utility transitions.
• 459J Surge Rating + Conditioned Output: Less than 5% output voltage distortion means downstream equipment sees clean, regulated 120V regardless of what the utility is doing — relevant in older commercial buildings with noisy electrical infrastructure.

Deployment Considerations:

• At 97.62 lbs and 26.89 inches deep, this is a two-person rack installation. Confirm your rack's depth clearance before ordering — 683mm of UPS plus cable bend radius means you need a true 800mm-depth rack or deeper to avoid forcing cables at the rear.
• The 3-hour recharge window is the spec to watch in facilities with frequent short brownouts or outages. If your site loses power twice in a 4-hour window, the second event may find the battery partially charged — size your runtime requirements with that scenario in mind, or add a second UPS in staggered recharge rotation.

For a government-contract surveillance infrastructure build — think a municipal camera network or federal facility NVR room — the SMT3000RM2UNCUS is the straightforward choice: TAA compliance, true sine wave, remote management included, and a well-supported battery replacement ecosystem with the RBC43 cartridge.